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Credit to govt from banks increased by Rs.157 billion in Nov. 2024

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Net credit to the government from the banking system increased by Rs. 157.2 bn in November 2024, according to the Weekly Economic Indicators report of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka.

Outstanding credit to public corporations decreased by Rs. 7.2 bn in November 2024. Outstanding credit extended to the private sector increased by Rs. 96.6 bn in November 2024 recording a year-on-year growth of 9.7 percent, the report stated.

Meanwhile, broad money expanded by 9.0 per cent, on a year-on-year basis, in November 2024.

The following are some of the economic indicators as per the above report.

Index of Industrial Production (IIP) in November 2024 increased by 4.7 per cent to 93.8 compared to November 2023, mainly contributed by the increases reported in the manufacture of food products (7.4 per cent), wearing apparel (6.5 per cent) and chemical products (18.6 percent).

Between 06th and 10th of January, 2025, crude oil prices showed mixed performance. Prices increased due to winter demand, China’s economic stimulus measures, growing concerns over supply disruptions and tightening sanctions amid low oil stockpiles. However, in the middle of the week, prices declined pressured by a stronger dollar and large builds in US fuel inventories.

Weekly Average Weighted Prime Lending Rate (AWPR) for the week ending 10th January 2025 decreased by 16 bps to 8.74 per cent compared to the previous week.

The Average Weighted Call Money Rate (AWCMR) recorded as 8.00 per cent on 10th January 2025 compared to 7.99 per cent at the end of last week.

The reserve money decreased compared to the previous week mainly due to decrease in currency in circulation and deposits held by the commercial banks with the Central Bank.

The total outstanding market liquidity was a surplus of Rs. 130.255 bn 10th January 2025, compared to a surplus of Rs. 140.156 bn by the endof last week.

During the eleven months ending November 2024, government revenue and grants increased to Rs. 3,664.6 bn compared to Rs. 2,771.4 bn in the corresponding period of 2023.

Total expenditure and net lending increased to Rs. 4,881.9 bn from January to November 2024 compared to Rs. 4,791.7 bn in the corresponding period of 2023.

During the period from January to November 2024, overall budget deficit decreased to Rs. 1,217.3 bn compared to Rs. 2,020.3 bn recorded in the corresponding period of 2023.

During the period from January to November 2024, net domestic financing decreased to Rs. 889.5 bn compared to Rs. 1,993.8 bn in the corresponding period of 2023. Net foreign financing increased to Rs. 327.8 bn during eleven months ending November 2024 compared to Rs. 26.4 bn recorded in corresponding period of 2023.

During the year up to 10th January 2025, the Sri Lanka rupee depreciated against the US dollar by 1.0 per cent.

Earnings from tourism amounted to US dollars 362.1 mn in December 2024, compared to US dollars 272.9 mn in November 2024 and US dollars 269.3 mn in December 2023.

Workers’ remittances amounted to US dollars 613.8 mn in December 2024, compared to US dollars 530.1 mn in November 2024 and US dollars 569.7 mn in December 2023.

The gross official reserves were provisionally estimated at US dollars 6,091 mn as at end December 2024. This includes proceeds from the PBOC swap arrangement.



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Business

Constituent Change in the S&P Sri Lanka 20 Index

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The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) announces the following change in S&P Sri Lanka 20 index constituents made by S&P Dow Jones Indices at the 2026 Mid-Year rebalance.

The exclusion and inclusion as announced by S&P Dow Jones Indices, effective from 22nd June 2026 (after the market close of 19th June 2026) are presented below.

The S&P SL 20 index includes the 20 largest companies, by total market capitalization, listed on the CSE that meet minimum size, liquidity and financial viability thresholds. The constituents are weighted by float-adjusted market capitalization, subject to a single stock cap of 15%, which is employed to reduce single stock concentration.

The S&P SL 20 index has been designed in accordance with international practices and standards. All stocks are classified according to the Global Industry Classification Standard (GICS®), which was co-developed by S&P Dow Jones Indices and MCSI and is widely used by market participants throughout the world.

To be eligible for inclusion, a stock must have a minimum float-adjusted market capitalization of 500 million Sri Lankan rupees (Rs), a six-month median daily value traded of Rs 0.25 million and have positive net income over the 12 months prior to the rebalancing reference date. For information, including the complete methodology, please visit: www.spindices.com

Effective from 22nd June 2026 the stocks in the S&P Sri Lanka 20 in alphabetical order are as above.

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Teejay Group navigates industry headwinds with financial strength and strategic focus

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Teejay Lanka Chairman Ajit Gunewardene and CEO Pubudu De Silva

The Teejay Group recorded revenue of LKR 60.04 billion during the period, reflecting a 10% year-on-year decline, primarily due to continued softness in global textile demand. This performance was largely impacted by reciprocal tariffs imposed by the United States, intensified pricing pressures across key markets, and the resulting decline in volumes, all of which collectively weighed on topline growth.

Group Gross Profit declined by 36% year-on-year to LKR 5.02 billion, mainly attributable to lower production volumes, underutilization of plant capacity, sustained pricing pressures, and an unfavorable product mix. Together, these factors adversely affected margin performance amid a challenging operating environment.

The Group reported a Profit After Tax (PAT) of LKR 54.7 million, representing a 98% year-on-year decline. This was primarily driven by higher rupee-denominated costs and non-recurring items, provision for doubtful debts, and restructuring costs associated with right-sizing initiatives.

Ajit Gunewardene, Chairman of the Teejay Group said, “The year was marked by persistent global demand softness and pricing pressures, which impacted results. Despite this, we focused on operational efficiency, cost discipline, and strengthening our financial resilience. These actions position the Group to navigate ongoing uncertainty while remaining committed to long-term value creation for our shareholders.”

Despite these near-term challenges, the Teejay Group continues to maintain a strong financial position, supported by disciplined working capital management and a robust liquidity base. As at 31 March 2026, cash and cash equivalents stood at LKR 8.3 billion, while the Group’s net asset base increased by 3% year-on-year to LKR 32.4 billion, reinforcing the resilience of its balance sheet.

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Fairfirst celebrates 7 years of supporting the Sri Lanka Police K9 Unit

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Fairfirst Insurance has once again partnered with the Sri Lanka Police K9 Unit, continuing its support for the seventh consecutive year. This partnership reflects the company’s long-standing commitment to giving back to the community.

Through this initiative, Fairfirst will provide comprehensive insurance coverage for the highly trained canines attached to the Sri Lanka Police K9 Unit. These dogs play a critical role in supporting police operations across the country, assisting with crime detection, narcotics investigations, search and rescue missions, and public safety efforts.

As a company that believes business should create a meaningful impact beyond insurance, Fairfirst remains committed to initiatives that support communities and recognise the vital contributions of those who help keep society safe. This shared commitment to protection and responsibility continues to drive the company’s long-standing partnership with the Sri Lanka Police K9 Unit.

Commenting on the continued partnership, Ravishankar Wickneswaran, CEO of Fairfirst Insurance, said, “It is a privilege for us to continue supporting the Sri Lanka Police K9 Unit for the seventh consecutive year. These dogs serve the country with incredible discipline and loyalty, often in challenging situations. Supporting their wellbeing is one small way for us to give back, and it reflects the FairfirstWay of standing by those who protect and serve our communities every day.”

Fairfirst looks forward to continuing this partnership and contributing to the wellbeing of the Sri Lanka Police K9 Unit in the years ahead.

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